Catherine A. (Steinke) Schmerge

Catherine A. Schmerge, 89, of Botkins, passed away at 10:16 am, Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at VanCrest of St. Marys.  She was born on October 15, 1932 in Moulton Township, Auglaize County, OH to Benedict and Alma (Brown) Steinke who have preceded her in death.  On February 10, 1954, she married George H. Schmerge, who passed away September 17, 2006.

Survivors include seven children, Ray Schmerge, of Botkins, Carol (Thomas) Schlueter, of Wapakoneta, John (Joyce) Schmerge, of Fort Loramie, Joe (Kriss) Schmerge, of Wapakoneta, Leonard (Kecia) Schmerge, of Wapakoneta, Leo (Julie) Schmerge, of Botkins, Gary (Darcy) Schmerge, of Botkins; twenty grandchildren, Paul, Peggy, Linda, Dale, Daniel, Barbara, Gregory, Alisha, Billy, Michelle, Justin, Matt, Tracy, Ryan, Brad, Doug, Andy, Tyler, Brent, Kaitlyn; 35 great-grandchildren; brother, George (Judy) Steinke, of Wapakoneta; sister, Mary Pauley, of Galion; and three sister-in-laws, Amelia Beeman, of Piqua, Erma Steinke, of Wapakoneta, Janie Steinke, of Uniopolis

Catherine was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Norma Schmerge; grandson, Terry Schmerge; three brothers, Alfred Steinke, Joe (Christine) Steinke, Francis Steinke; sister, Rita (Lawrence) Tebbe; three brother-in-laws, Jim Pauley, Ed Beeman, and Lawrence Schmerge; and three sister-in-laws, Catherine Curtis, Gertie Curtis and infant Caroline Schmerge.

Living most of her life on a farm, Catherine was a hard worker and dedicated homemaker.  While she was more than willing to help anyone, her family always came first.  She was a loving wife to George for more than 50 years and they enjoyed many memories together, especially with the Buckeye Farm Antiques.  As the years passed and their family grew, Catherine raised her children, while quilting and tending to the gardens of flowers and vegetables.  As much as she loved her kids, her pride and joy was found within the next generations, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Very much a grandma, she loved to spend time together as family, at holidays or just gathered around playing cards or working puzzles.  Catherine was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Rhine, where she belonged to the Ladies Sodality.  She also enjoyed volunteering and visiting residents at the local nursing homes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 am, Saturday, February 26, 2022, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Rhine (16053 Botkins Road; Botkins).  Father Sean Wilson will officiate and interment will follow in the church cemetery.  Friends may call from 4:00 - 7:00 pm, Friday, February 25, 2022, at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Wapakoneta.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Botkins Fire Department.